Bicycle pedal

ABSTRACT

A bicycle pedal assembly has a cleat releasably coupled to a pedal by a cleat engagement mechanism formed on an upper surface of its pedal body. The pedal body has a front end configured and arranged to include a sole guide portion that assists the rider in rotating the pedal body about its pedal shaft. In one embodiment, the sole guide portion is formed by a first concaved sole receiving recess located in a tip surface of the pedal body and a second concaved sole receiving recess located on the upper surface of the pedal body adjacent to the tip surface. Alternatively, the concaved sole receiving recesses can be replaced with either a pair of laterally spaced projections located on at the front end of the pedal body, or a V-shaped tip surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/084,439 filed on Feb. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,846.The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/084,439,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,846, is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle pedal assembly. Morespecifically, the present invention relates clipless or step-in bicyclepedal assembly, which has a rear float pivot axis for relative rotationof the cleat and pedal.

2. Background Information

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle as well as the frame of the bicycle. One component that has beenextensively redesigned is the bicycle pedal.

In recent years, bicycle pedals have been designed for specific purposessuch as for pleasure, off road biking, road racing, etc. One particulartype of bicycle pedal, which is gaining more popularity, is the step-inor clipless pedal, which releasably engages a cleat secured to the soleof a cyclist's shoe. The clipless pedal has a pedal spindle that can bemounted on the crank of a bicycle, a pedal body that is rotatablysupported on this pedal spindle, and a cleat engagement mechanism. In anoff road bicycle pedal a cleat engagement mechanism is formed on bothsides of the pedal body for engaging a cleat. A road-racing pedal, onthe other hand, typically only has a cleat engagement mechanism on oneside of the pedal body. In either case, in these types of bicyclepedals, the rider steps onto the pedal and the cleat engagementmechanism automatically grips on to the cleat secured to the bottom ofthe cyclist's shoe.

With this type of step-in or clipless pedal, the shoe and the pedal arein a state of constant engagement when the cleat is engaged in the cleatclamping members, so the pedaling force can be transmitted efficientlyto the pedals. As a result, step-in or clipless pedals are widelyemployed on racing bicycles used in road racing and mountain bikeracing.

When attaching the cyclist's shoe to the step-in or clipless pedal viathe cleat, the cyclist moves the shoe obliquely downwardly and forwardlyrelative to the pedal body such that the front end of the cleat engagesa front hook or clamping member of the pedal body. Once the front end ofthe cleat is engaged with the front hook of the pedal body, the cyclistplaces the rear end of the cleat in contact with a guide portion of therear hook or clamping member of the pedal body. In this position, thecyclist presses the shoe downwardly against the pedal to cause the rearhook or clamping member to initially pivot rearwardly against the forceof a spring to move the rear hook or clamping member to a cleatreleasing position. The rear end of the cleat then enters a positionopposite a back face of the rear hook or clamping member. Then, the rearhook or clamping member returns under the force of a biasing member orspring so that the rear hook or clamping member engages the rear end ofthe cleat. This engagement fixes the cyclist's shoe to the pedal via thecleat.

However, these step-in or clipless pedals can be complicated andexpensive to manufacture and assemble. Additionally, these step-in orclipless pedals can become clogged with mud and or debris makingengagement/disengagement difficult. Moreover, some of these step-in orclipless pedal sometimes do not transfer power to the bicycle crank armsin the most efficient manner. Finally, these step-in or clipless pedalcan be uncomfortable and cause fatigue to the riders' foot afterextended riding periods.

In view of the above, there exists a need for a bicycle pedal assemblywhich overcomes the above mentioned problems in the prior art. Thisinvention addresses this need in the prior art as well as other needs,which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a step-in bicyclepedal assembly that is relatively easy to step into and engage thecleat.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a step-in bicyclepedal assembly that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a step-in bicyclepedal assembly that is relatively lightweight and malfunction free.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a step-inbicycle pedal assembly that is relatively easy to assemble anddisassemble.

The foregoing objects can basically be achieved by providing a bicyclepedal assembly comprising a pedal shaft, a pedal body and a cleatengagement mechanism. The pedal shaft has a first end adapted to becoupled to a bicycle crank and a second end with a center rotation axisextending between the first and second ends. The pedal body is rotatablycoupled to the second end of the pedal shaft about the center rotationaxis of said pedal shaft. The pedal body has a front end and a rear endwith the front end of the pedal body being configured and arranged toinclude a sole guide portion that assists in rotating the pedal bodyabout the pedal shaft. The cleat engagement mechanism is coupled to anupper surface of the pedal body and arranged to move between a clampingposition and a release position.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bicycle pedal in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the bicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS.1–3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle pedal illustrated inFIGS. 1–4, as seen along section line 5—5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the pedal body of the bicycle pedalillustrated in FIGS. 1–5;

FIG. 7 is am outside elevational view of the pedal body illustrated inFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the pedal body illustrated in FIGS. 6and 7;

FIG. 9 is an inside elevational view of the pedal body illustrated inFIGS. 6–8;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the pedal body illustrated inFIGS. 6–9;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the cleat that is used with the of thebicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1–5;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the cleat illustrated in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cleat illustrated in FIGS. 11and 12, as seen along line 13—13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cleat illustrated in FIGS.11–13, as seen along section line 21—21 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the cleat illustrated in FIGS. 11–14;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the bicycle pedal illustrated inFIGS. 1–5 just prior to contact with a bicycle shoe having the cleatillustrated in FIGS. 11–15 coupled thereto;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated inFIGS. 1–5, just after initial contact with the shoe portion of thebicycle shoe;

FIG. 18 is a partial side elevational view, similar to FIG. 17, of thebicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1–5, just after initial contact withthe shoe portion of the bicycle shoe;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated inFIGS. 1–5, after sliding contact between the shoe portion of the bicycleshoe and the front end of the bicycle pedal;

FIG. 20 is a partial side elevational view, similar to FIG. 19, of thebicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1–5, after sliding contact betweenthe shoe portion of the bicycle shoe and the front end of the bicyclepedal;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated inFIGS. 1–5, just after contact between the cleat and the front end of thebicycle pedal;

FIG. 22 is a partial side elevational view, similar to FIG. 21, of thebicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1–5, just after contact between therear attachment portion of the cleat and the rear clamping member of thebicycle pedal;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated inFIGS. 1–5, just after contact between the rear attachment portion of thecleat and the rear clamping member of the bicycle pedal;

FIG. 24 is a partial side elevational view, similar to FIG. 23, of thebicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1–5, just after contact between therear attachment portion of the cleat and the rear clamping member of thebicycle pedal;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the bicycle pedal illustrated inFIGS. 1–5, after full engagement between the rear attachment portion ofthe cleat and the rear clamping member of the bicycle pedal;

FIG. 26 is a partial side elevational view, similar to FIG. 25, of thebicycle pedal illustrated in FIGS. 1–5, after full engagement betweenthe rear attachment portion of the cleat and the rear clamping member ofthe bicycle pedal;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of a pedal body in accordance with a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the pedal body illustrated in FIG.27;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of a pedal body in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the pedal body illustrated in FIG.29;

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a pedal body in accordance with a fourthembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of the pedal body illustrated in FIG.31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. 1–3, a bicycle pedal 12 is illustrated inaccordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Thebicycle pedal 12 is a clipless or step-in pedal that selectively andreleasably receives a cleat 14 as seen in FIGS. 16–26. The bicycle pedal12 and the cleat 14 form part of a bicycle pedal assembly 10. The cleat14 is preferably fixedly coupled to a bicycle shoe 16 to releasablycouple the cyclist's foot to the bicycle pedal 12. The bicycle pedal 12is also designed to be relatively simple and inexpensive to manufactureand assemble.

The bicycle pedal assembly 10 is especially designed for use with roadbicycles as opposed to use with an off-road bicycle. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that thefeatures of the bicycle pedal assembly 10 can be used in theconstruction of an off-road type of bicycle pedal assembly if neededand/or desired. In other words, it will be apparent that while the pedal12 has one side designed to have the cleat 14 coupled thereto, that theprinciples of the present invention could be applied to a two-sidedpedal.

As explained below, the pedal 12 and the cleat 14 are configured andarranged to prevent inadvertent release of the cleat 14 from the pedal12 due to relative rearward movement of the cleat 14 relative to thepedal 12.

The bicycle pedal assembly 10 is especially designed for use with roadbicycles as opposed to use with an off-road bicycle. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that thefeatures of the bicycle pedal assembly 10 can be used in theconstruction of an off-road type of bicycle pedal assembly if neededand/or desired. In other words, it will be apparent that while the pedal12 has one side designed to have the cleat 14 coupled thereto, that theprinciples of the present invention could be applied to a two-sidedpedal.

The bicycle pedal 12 is fixedly coupled to a bicycle crank arm 18 of abicycle (not shown) for rotation therewith, as seen in FIG. 16. Thebicycle pedal 12 illustrated is a right side pedal. Of course, the rightside pedal 12 is the mirror image of the left side pedal (not shown).Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that thedescription of the right side pedal 12 also applies to a left sidepedal.

As seen in FIGS. 1–5, the bicycle pedal 12 basically includes a pedalshaft or spindle 20, a pedal body 22 with a center tubular shaftsupporting portion 23, a front (first) clamping member 24 and a rear(second) clamping member 26. Optionally, the bicycle pedal has a pad Coverlying the upper central section of the pedal body 22. Preferably, aportion of the pad C extends along the outer side of the pedal body 22.The pad C is preferably fixedly secured in recesses formed in the pedalbody 22 by a friction fit and/or adhesive.

The front and rear clamping members 24 and 26 are preferably fixedlycoupled to the pedal body 22, with the front clamping member 24 beingfixed to the pedal body 22 and the rear clamping member 26 beingpivotally coupled to the pedal body 22. The front and rear clampingmembers 24 and 26 define a cleat engagement mechanism that is coupled toan upper surface of the pedal body 22 and arranged to move between aclamping position and a release position.

The front end of the pedal body 22 is configured and arranged to includea sole guide portion 27 that assists in rotating the pedal body 22 aboutthe pedal shaft 20. The sole guide portion 27 includes a first concavedsole receiving recess 27 a located on the upper surface 22 a of thepedal body 22 and a second concaved sole receiving recess 27 b locatedin a forwardly facing tip surface 22 b of the pedal body 22. Theconcaved sole receiving recess 27 a is located adjacent the forwardlyfacing tip surface 22 b of the pedal body 22. In the illustratedembodiment, the first concaved sole receiving recess 27 a has a radiusof curvature R₁ of approximately 64.0 millimeters, while the secondconcaved sole receiving recess 27 b has a radius of curvature R₂ ofapproximately 59.4 millimeters.

As seen in FIGS. 16–26, the first and second concaved sole receivingrecesses 27 a and 27 b cooperate with a front sole portion 16 a of thebicycle shoe 16 and the tip of the cleat 14 to assists in rotating thepedal body 22 about the pedal shaft 20 during the engagement process ofthe cleat 14 with the pedal 12.

The shaft 20 is adapted to be coupled to the crank arm 18, while thepedal body 22 is rotatably coupled to the shaft 20 for supporting acyclist's foot. Specifically, the pedal shaft 20 has a first end 21 athat is fastened to the crank arm 18 (FIG. 16) and a second end 21 b(FIG. 5) rotatably supported in the tubular shaft supporting portion 23of the pedal body 22. A center longitudinal axis A extends between thefirst and second ends 21 a and 21 b of the pedal shaft 20. The pedalbody 22 is freely rotatable about the center longitudinal axis A. Acleat receiving area is formed on one side of the pedal body 22 forreceiving and supporting the cleat 14 thereon. More specifically, thecleat receiving area is defined as the space located between the frontand rear clamping members 24 and 26.

The pedal shaft 20 is preferably a multi-step spindle having severalstepped portions that are rotatably coupled within a hollow area of thepedal body 22 in a conventional manner. The first end 21 a of the pedalshaft 20 has threads formed thereon for fixedly coupling the pedal 12 tothe crank arm 18 in a conventional manner. Preferably, the threads ofthe right pedal 12 are preferably clockwise threads such that the rightpedal 12 remains coupled to the crank arm 18 in a conventional manner.Alternatively, the threads of the left pedal shaft (not shown) arepreferably counter-clockwise threads such that the left pedal remainscoupled to an opposing crank arm (not shown) in a conventional manner.The second end 21 b of the pedal shaft 20 rotatably supports the pedalbody 22 about the longitudinal axis A by a conventional bearing assembly(not shown).

In particular, the pedal shaft 20 is secured within the hollow area ofthe tubular shaft supporting portion 23 of the pedal body 22 by an innertube and a lock nut in a conventional manner. More specifically, thepedal shaft 20 has the lock nut mounted thereon to secure a bearingassembly and the pedal shaft 20 within the hollow area of the pedal body22. Since these parts are relatively conventional parts and the specificconstructions of these parts are not critical to the present invention,they will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather,these parts will only be discussed as necessary to understand thepresent invention.

The tubular shaft supporting portion 23 of the pedal body 22 has anupper cleat supporting surface 23 a and a forwardly facing (first) cleatstop surface 23 b. The upper cleat supporting surface 23 a lies in agenerally flat plane that faces upwardly from the pedal body forsupporting the cleat 14. More specifically, the upper cleat supportingsurface 23 a cooperates with the front and rear clamping members 24 and26 to limit movement of the cleat 14 in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the upper cleat supporting surface 23 a. The cleat stopsurface 23 b is disposed on a forwardly facing portion of the tubularshaft supporting portion 23 of the pedal body 22. The cleat stop surface23 b is a convexly curved surface that faces towards the front clampingmember 24. The curvature of the cleat stop surface 23 b is preferablybisected by the longitudinal axis B of the pedal body 22. In otherwords, the longitudinal axis B of the pedal body 22 bisects the pedalbody 22 and the cleat stop surface 23 b as seen in FIG. 3.

The front clamping member 24 is fixedly coupled to the pedal body 22,while the rear clamping member 26 is pivotally coupled to the pedal body22. More specifically, the front clamping member 24 is preferably anon-movable member that is integrally formed with the pedal body 22,while the rear clamping member 26 is preferably a separate membermounted on a pivot pin or support pin 28. The pivot pin 28 is coupled tothe pedal body 22. Two torsion springs 29 are preferably coupled betweenthe pedal body 22 and the rear clamping member 26. While two springs 29are preferably mounted on the pivot pin 28, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this disclosure that fewer or more springs canbe used. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art theother types of urging member(s)/resilient member(s) could be utilized tocarry out the present invention. Accordingly, the term “biasing member”as used herein refers to one or more members that applies an urgingforce between two elements.

Referring to FIGS. 16–26, the cleat 14 is fixedly attached to thebicycle shoe 16 in a conventional manner via fasteners. The cleat 14 isreleasably engaged to the pedal body 22 via the clamping members 24 and26 in a relatively conventional manner. In other words, the cleat 14 isdesigned to releasably couple the sole of the shoe 16 to the bicyclepedal 12 by the front and rear clamping members 24 and 26. This type ofpedal is often called a step-in or clipless pedal. Specifically, thecleat 14 is engaged with the pedal 12 by pressing the cleat 14 into thepedal 12 with a forward and downward motion. This releasably locks thecleat 14 to the pedal 12. The cleat 14 can be released from pedal 12 bytwisting the heel of the shoe to the outside of the pedal 12 asdiscussed below in more detail. However, the shoe 16 is capable oflimited rotation or float about a rear float pivot axis prior todisengagement.

As shown in FIGS. 1–5, the pedal body 22 has an inner (first) sideportion 32 and an outer (second) side portion 34 with the tubular shaftsupporting portion 23 extending transversely therebetween. The tubularshaft supporting portion 23 receives the pedal shaft 20 for rotationabout the center longitudinal axis A, while rear ends of the sideportions 32 and 34 pivotally support the rear clamping member 26. Theside portions 32 and 34 are coupled together at the front of the pedalbody 22 (in a substantially U-shape) to form the front clamping member24 as an integral part of the pedal body 22. The parts of the pedal body22 are preferably made of a lightweight rigid metallic material such asan aluminum alloy. One of the clamping members 24 and 26 is located ateach end of pedal body 22. In particular, the pedal body 22 is anA-shaped member with a first (front) closed end 36 and a second (rear)open end 38. The front clamping member 24 is coupled at the front end36, while the rear clamping member 26 is coupled to the rear end 38. Therear clamping member 26 pivotally coupled between the side portions 32and 34 via the pivot pin 28.

The tubular shaft supporting portion 23 is preferably integrally formedwith the first and second side portions 32 and 34 as a one-piece,unitary member. Moreover, the front clamping member 24 is alsopreferably integrally formed with the pedal body 22. Of course, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that otherconstructions could be utilized if needed and/or desired. For example,the pedal body could be formed of several separate pieces removablysecured together by a plurality of screws or other conventionalfasteners. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat the front clamping member 24 could be a separate member that isreleasably coupled to a one-piece H-shaped pedal body if needed and/ordesired. In any event, the front clamping member 24 is preferablyfixedly and non-movably coupled to the pedal body 22.

The side portions 32 and 34 extend forward and backward from the tubularshaft supporting portion 23 such that the clamping members 24 and 26 arelocated at opposite ends thereof. The first side portion 32 has athreaded through bore 40 (at the rear end 38 of pedal body 22) forreceiving support pin 28 therein. The threaded bore 40 aids in providingan attractive appearance, since the end or head of pin 28 is not visiblefrom the outside of the pedal body 22. The second (outer) side portion34 is provided with an unthreaded blind bore 44 aligned with threadedbore 40 for receiving the outer end of the pivot pin 28. The bores 40and 44 are configured to secure the pivot pin 28 therein in an aestheticand reliable manner. Thus, a smooth outer surface can be formed.

An enlarged central blind bore 43 extends through the tubular shaftsupporting portion 23 and the side portion 32 for rotatably receivingthe shaft 20 therein (i.e. to form the hollow area).

As mentioned above, the front clamping member 24 is preferablyintegrally formed with the pedal body 22. Thus, the front clampingmember 24 is preferably formed of lightweight rigid metallic materialsuch as aluminum alloy. The front clamping member 24 basically includesa front cleat engagement surface 50 and a front pedal control surface52, as seen in FIGS. 5–8. The front cleat engagement surface 50 is asubstantially C-shaped flat surface that faces in a downward (first)direction when the pedal 12 is in the normal riding position. The frontcleat engagement surface 50 lies in a first plane P₁. The front pedalcontrol surface 52 is a transverse surface extending upwardly from therear edge of the front cleat engagement surface 50.

More specifically, the front pedal control surface 52 is preferablyarranged substantially perpendicular to the front cleat engagementsurface 50. The front pedal control surface 52 is formed of a concavecurved center surface with a radius of curvature of about 26.6millimeters.

The front clamping member 24 also preferably includes a transverseabutment surface 54 extending downwardly from the front cleat engagementsurface 50. The abutment surface 54 is substantially perpendicular tothe front cleat engagement surface 50.

The rear clamping member 26 has a roughly U-shaped configuration, withits two ends being pivotally supported by the support pin 28 that passesbetween the side portions 32 and 34 of the pedal body 22. The rearclamping member 26 basically includes a rear clamping portion 60 and amounting portion 62 with a pair of mounting flanges 66 extend therefromto mount the rear clamping member 26 on the support pin 28.Specifically, each mounting flange 66 has a through bore formed thereinfor receiving the support pin 28. The mounting portion 62 has acentrally located stepped bore formed therein for receiving part of atension adjustment mechanism.

The rear clamping portion 60 of the rear clamping member 26 basicallyincludes a rear cleat engagement surface 70, a pair of rear pedalcontrol surfaces 72 and a pair of inclined guide surfaces 74. The rearpedal control surfaces 72 basically converge to a center point thatdefines a rear pedal pivot surface. The rear pedal pivot surface orpoint defined by the convergence of the rear pedal control surfaces 72forms an effective curvature that cooperates with the cleat 14 to formthe rear floating pivot axis.

The rear cleat engagement surface 70 is a flat surface that faces in thesame direction (i.e. the first downward direction) as the front cleatengagement surface 50. The rear cleat engagement surface 70 lies in asecond plane P₂ that is offset from the first plane P₁. Morespecifically, the second plane P₂ is preferably located above the firstplane P₁ when the pedal 12 is in the normal riding position. Preferably,the front and rear cleat engagement surfaces 50 and 70 are parallel toeach other.

The rear pedal control surfaces 72 are transverse surfaces extendingupwardly from the rear cleat engagement surface 70. The rear pedalcontrol surfaces 72 are preferably substantially perpendicular to therear cleat engagement surface 70.

The inclined guide surfaces 74 preferably has an extending upwardly awayfrom the transverse rear pedal control surfaces 72 to form a guide thataids in the attachment of the cleat 14 to the pedal 12.

The torsion springs 29 have their mounting or coiled portions mounted onsupport pin 28, with one end of each spring engaging a part of pedalbody 22 and the other end of each spring engaging a tension adjustmentmechanism 48 (indirectly engaging the rear clamping member 26). Thesprings 29 normally urge the clamping member 26 to rotate about thepivot pin 28 from a cleat releasing position to a cleat engaging orclamping position. In other words, the springs 29 normally maintain theclamping member 26 in cleat engaging position. The retaining forces ofthe springs 29 on the clamping member 26 is mainly controlled bychanging the springs 29 with either weaker or stronger springs. Ofcourse, the shape and the construction of the clamping member 26 can bemodified to change the cleat retaining force if needed and/or desired.Thus, the clamping member 26 and/or the springs 29 can be easilyexchanged to control the cleat retaining force of the pedal 12 or toreplace a damaged part.

The cleat stop surface 23 b is preferably disposed between the firstplane P₁ and the second plane P₂. Moreover, the cleat stop surface 23 bpreferably extends perpendicularly between the first and second planesP₁ and P₂. Preferably the cleat stop surface 23 b is located between thecenter rotation axis A and the front cleat engagement surface 50.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the tension adjustment mechanism 48 is mountedbetween the rear clamping member 26 and the springs 29 to adjust thebiasing force of the springs 29 applied to the rear clamping member 26.The adjustment mechanism 48 basically includes an adjustment bolt 49 aand an adjustment plate 49 b. The adjustment bolt 49 a is threaded intoa threaded hole formed in the adjustment plate 49 b. The head of theadjustment bolt 49 a is step shaped to be received in a mating stepshaped hole 51 of the rear clamping member 26. The adjustment plate 49 bis a T-shaped plate. The adjustment plate 49 b contacts the rearclamping member 26 to apply the biasing force of the springs 29 to therear clamping member 26. The associated springs 29 are now adjustablyplaced under tension. This arrangement allows for easy assembly of thebicycle pedal 12. The tension adjustment mechanism 48 is relativelyconventional, and thus, will not be discussed and/or illustrated indetail herein.

Preferably, a cover member 79 overlies the springs 29 and the tensionadjustment mechanism 48. The cover member 79 prevents mud and othercontaminates from clogging the operation of the tension adjustmentmechanism 48 and/or the springs 29. Preferably, the cover member 79 isconstructed of a light weight material such as plastic. The cover member79 is formed to fit snuggly within the rear clamping member 26 andoverlies the pivot pin 28 and the springs 29. An example of such a covermember is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,914, assigned to Shimano Inc.Thus, the cover member 79 will not be discussed and/or illustrated indetail herein.

A cleat receiving area is formed on one side of the pedal body 22 forreceiving and supporting the cleat 14 thereon. More specifically, thecleat receiving area is defined by the space located between the frontand rear clamping members 24 and 26 in which the cleat 14 is received.The front and rear clamping members 24 and 26 engage the cleat 14 toreleasably couple the sole of the shoe 16 to the bicycle pedal 12.Specifically, the cleat 14 is engaged with the pedal 12 by pressing thecleat 14 into pedal 12 with a forward and downward motion. Thisreleasably locks the cleat 14 to the pedal 12. The cleat 14 can bereleased from the pedal 12 by twisting the heel of the shoe to theoutside of the pedal 12 as discussed below in more detail.

Referring to FIGS. 11–15, the bicycle shoe cleat 14 basically includes acenter connecting portion 80, a first or front attachment portion 82extending from one end of center connecting portion 80 and a second orrear attachment portion 84 extending from the other end of the centerconnecting portion 80. Preferably, the center connecting portion 80 andthe attachment portions 82 and 84 are integrally formed together as aone-piece, unitary member, which is constructed from a suitable rigidmaterial. The center connecting portion 80 has a plurality (three) ofholes formed therein for receiving fasteners (not shown). Specifically,the cleat 14 is designed for use with three fasteners. The centerconnecting portion 80 has an upper sole side facing in a first directionfor engaging the sole of the shoe 16 and a lower (bottom) pedal sidefacing in a second direction which is substantially opposite to thefirst direction. The center connecting portion 80 preferably has arearwardly facing (second) cleat stop surface 85 disposed on the bottompedal facing side of the connecting portion 80.

The cleat stop surface 85 is arranged and configured relative to thecleat stop surface 23 b of the pedal body 22 such that the cleat stopsurface 85 engages the cleat stop surface 23 b after a predeterminedamount of rearward movement of the cleat 14 relative to the pedal body22 to prevent further relative movement between the cleat 14 and thepedal body 22 when the front and rear clamping members 24 and 26 areengaged with the front and rear attachment portions 82 and 84,respectively. In other words, the cleat stop surfaces 23 b and 85 areconfigured to limit rearward movement of the cleat 14 relative to thepedal body 22 such that the cleat 14 is not inadvertently released fromthe pedal body 22 due to rearward relative movement of the cleat 14relative to the pedal body 22. However, there is preferably a small gapthat is normally located between the cleat stop surface 23 b and thecleat stop surface 85, when the front and rear clamping members 24 and26 are engaged with the front and rear attachment portions 82 and 84,respectively. The cleat stop surface 85 of the cleat 14 is normallylongitudinally spaced about 0.5 millimeters from the cleat stop surface23 b when the front and rear clamping members 24 and 26 are engaged withthe front and rear attachment portions 82 and 84, respectively.

During normal engagement between the pedal 12 and the cleat 14, thecleat 14 cannot move along the longitudinal axis B of the pedal body 22without rotating the rear clamping member 26 against the biasing forceof the springs 28. Accordingly, the cleat stop surfaces 23 b and 85allow for a predetermined amount of rearward movement of the cleat 14relative to the pedal body 22 in the direction of the longitudinal axisB. In other words, the cleat stop surfaces 23 b and 85 are oppositelycurved surfaces that are configured and arranged such that they do notinterfere with the normal releasing of the cleat 14 relative to thepedal 12. In other words, the curvature of the cleat stop surfaces 23 band 85 are such that the cleat 14 can freely pivot about a frontdisengagement pivot axis.

The front attachment portion 82 of the cleat 14 basically includes afront coupling surface 86 and a front cleat control surface 88. Thefront coupling surface 86 is selectively engageable with the frontengagement surface 50 of the front clamping member 24. The front cleatcontrol surface 88 cooperates with the front pedal control surface 52 tocontrol movement of the cleat 14 relative to the pedal 12. Specifically,the front cleat control surface 88 is a transverse surface extendingupwardly from the front coupling surface 86. Preferably the front cleatcontrol surface 88 extends substantially perpendicular to the frontcoupling surface 86 and includes a central convex curved surface 88 aand a pair of end surfaces 88 b. The central convex surface 88 a has aradius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the concavesurface of the front pedal control surface 52.

The rear attachment portion 84 of the cleat 14 basically includes a rearcoupling surface 90 and a rear cleat control surface 92. The rearcoupling surface 90 is selectively engageable with the rear engagementsurface 70 of the rear clamping member 26. The rear cleat controlsurface 92 cooperates with the rear pedal control surface 72 to controlmovement of the cleat 14 relative to the pedal 12. Specifically, therear cleat control surface 92 is a transverse surface extending upwardlyfrom the rear coupling surface 90. Preferably the rear cleat controlsurface 92 is an inclined surface forming an angle of about ninetydegrees with the rear coupling surface 90 and includes a central convexcurved surface 92 a, a pair of straight side surfaces 92 b and a pair ofinclined edge surfaces 92 c.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, a bicycle pedal body 122 isillustrated in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention. The bicycle pedal body 122 of this second embodiment isconfigured to be used in the bicycle pedal assembly 10 of the firstembodiment. In other words, the bicycle pedal body 22 of the bicyclepedal assembly 10 of the first embodiment can be replaced with thebicycle pedal body 122 of this second embodiment. Thus, the shaft orspindle 20, the rear clamping member 26 and the tension adjustmentmechanism 48 are installed on the bicycle pedal body 122 in the samemanner as discussed above in connection with the bicycle pedal body 22of the bicycle pedal assembly 10 of the first embodiment. Moreover, thebicycle pedal body 122 cooperates with the cleat 14 in the same manneras discussed above.

The only difference between the bicycle pedal body 122 of this secondembodiment and the bicycle pedal body 22 of the first embodiment is thefront end of the pedal body 122. In view of the similarities betweenthis second embodiment and the first embodiment, the followingdescription will focus mainly on the difference. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that most ofthe descriptions of the first embodiment also apply to this secondembodiment.

The front end of the pedal body 122 is configured and arranged toinclude a sole guide portion 127 that assists in rotating the pedal body122 about the pedal shaft 20. The sole guide portion 127 is formed by aV-shaped sole receiving recess 127 a located in a forwardly facing tipsurface. The V-shaped sole receiving recess 127 a performs the functionof both of the concaved sole receiving recesses of the first embodiment.The term “V-shaped sole receiving recess” as used herein should beconstrued to include a “U-shaped sole receiving recess”.

The pedal body 122 is substantially identical to pedal body 22 of thefirst embodiment and basically includes a front clamping member 124(identical to the front clamping member 27 discussed above), a centertubular portion 123, an inner side portion 132 and an outer side portion134. The front clamping member 124 is fixedly coupled to the pedal body122, while the rear clamping member 26 is pivotally coupled to the pedalbody 122. More specifically, the front clamping member 124 is preferablya non-movable member that is integrally formed with the pedal body 122.The center tubular portion 123 receives the pedal shaft 20 for rotationabout a center longitudinal axis A′, while the side portions 132 and 134pivotally support the rear clamping member 26. The longitudinal axis B′of the pedal body 122 bisects the pedal body 122 as seen in FIG. 27.

Third Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30, a bicycle pedal body 222 isillustrated in accordance with a third embodiment of the presentinvention. The bicycle pedal body 222 of this third embodiment isconfigured to be used in the bicycle pedal assembly 10 of the firstembodiment. In other words, the bicycle pedal body 22 of the bicyclepedal assembly 10 of the first embodiment can be replaced with thebicycle pedal body 222 of this third embodiment. Thus, the shaft orspindle 20, the rear clamping member 26 and the tension adjustmentmechanism 48 are installed on the bicycle pedal body 222 in the samemanner as discussed above in connection with the bicycle pedal body 22of the bicycle pedal assembly 10 of the first embodiment. Moreover, thebicycle pedal body 222 cooperates with the cleat 14 in the same manneras discussed above.

The only difference between the bicycle pedal body 222 of this thirdembodiment and the bicycle pedal body 22 of the first embodiment is thefront end of the pedal body 222. In view of the similarities betweenthis third embodiment and the first embodiment, the followingdescription will focus mainly on the difference. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that most ofthe descriptions of the first embodiment also apply to this thirdembodiment.

The front end of the pedal body 222 is configured and arranged toinclude a sole guide portion 227 that assists in rotating the pedal body222 about the pedal shaft 20. The sole guide portion 227 is formed by apair of projections 227 a that define a concaved sole receiving recess227 b therebetween. The concaved sole receiving recess 227 b is locatedat the forwardly facing tip surface of the pedal body 222.

The pedal body 222 is substantially identical to pedal body 22 of thefirst embodiment and basically includes a front clamping member 224(identical to the front clamping member 24 discussed above), a centertubular portion 223, an inner side portion 232 and an outer side portion234. The front clamping member 224 is fixedly coupled to the pedal body222, while the rear clamping member 26 is pivotally coupled to the pedalbody 222. More specifically, the front clamping member 224 is preferablya non-movable member that is integrally formed with the pedal body 222.The center tubular portion 223 receives the pedal shaft 20 for rotationabout the center longitudinal axis A″, while the side portions 232 and234 pivotally support the rear clamping member 26.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32, a bicycle pedal body 322 isillustrated in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. The bicycle pedal body 322 of this fourth embodiment isconfigured to be used in the bicycle pedal assembly 10 of the firstembodiment. In other words, the bicycle pedal body 22 of the bicyclepedal assembly 10 of the first embodiment can be replaced with thebicycle pedal body 322 of this fourth embodiment. Thus, the shaft orspindle 20, the rear clamping member 26 and the tension adjustmentmechanism 48 are installed on the bicycle pedal body 322 in the samemanner as discussed above in connection with the bicycle pedal body 22of the bicycle pedal assembly 10 of the first embodiment. Moreover, thebicycle pedal body 322 cooperates with the cleat 14 in the same manneras discussed above.

The only difference between the bicycle pedal body 322 of this fourthembodiment and the bicycle pedal body 22 of the first embodiment is thefront end of the pedal body 322. In view of the similarities betweenthis fourth embodiment and the first embodiment, the followingdescription will focus mainly on the difference. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that most ofthe descriptions of the first embodiment also apply to this fourthembodiment.

The front end of the pedal body 322 is configured and arranged toinclude a sole guide portion 327 that assists in rotating the pedal body322 about the pedal shaft 20. The sole guide portion 327 is formed by apair of projections 327 a that define a concaved sole receiving recess327 b at the forwardly facing tip surface of the pedal body 322.

The pedal body 322 is substantially identical to pedal body 22 of thefirst embodiment and basically includes a front clamping member 324(identical to the front clamping member 24 discussed above), a centertubular portion 323, an inner side portion 332 and an outer side portion334. The front clamping member 324 is fixedly coupled to the pedal body322, while the rear clamping member 26 is pivotally coupled to the pedalbody 322. More specifically, the front clamping member 324 is preferablya non-movable member that is integrally formed with the pedal body 322.The center tubular portion 323 receives the pedal shaft 20 for rotationabout the center longitudinal axis A′″, while the side portions 332 and334 pivotally support the rear clamping member 26.

As used herein to describe the prior three embodiments and claim thepresent invention, the following directional terms “forward, rearward,above, upward, downward, bottom, vertical, horizontal, below andtransverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a bicycle equipped with a pedal of the presentinvention and when the pedal is horizontally oriented relative to theground. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the presentinvention should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with apedal of the present invention.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed. These termsshould be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of themodified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the wordit modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A bicycle pedal comprising: a pedal shaft having a first end adaptedto be coupled to a bicycle crank and a second end with a center rotationaxis extending between said first and second ends; a pedal bodyrotatably coupled to said second end of said pedal shaft about saidcenter rotation axis of said pedal shaft, said pedal body having a frontend and a rear end with said front end of said pedal body beingconfigured and arranged to include a sole guide portion that assists inrotating said pedal body about said pedal shaft, said sole guide portionincluding a pair of laterally spaced projections located on a forwardlyfacing tip surface of said pedal body that define a sole receivingrecess in an area disposed laterally therebetween and aligned with saidprojections; and a cleat engagement mechanism coupled to an uppersurface of said pedal body, said cleat engagement mechanism including afront clamping member coupled to said front end of said pedal body, anda rear clamping member movably coupled to said rear end of said pedalbody, said front clamping member including a rearwardly facing frontpedal control surface, said rearwardly facing front pedal controlsurface being arranged to be free of obstructions along a longitudinalaxis that bisects said pedal body in an area immediately rearward ofsaid front pedal control surface, and said rear clamping memberincluding a forwardly facing rear pedal control surface.
 2. The bicyclepedal according to claim 1, wherein said front clamping member includesa downwardly facing front cleat engagement surface disposed in a firstplane, and said rear clamping member includes a downwardly facing rearcleat engagement surface disposed in a second plane that is offset fromsaid first plane of said front cleat engagement surface.
 3. The bicyclepedal according to claim 2, wherein said front and rear cleat engagementsurfaces are substantially parallel.
 4. The bicycle pedal according toclaim 3, wherein said first plane of said front cleat engagement surfaceis closer to said center rotation axis than said second plane of saidrear cleat engagement surface as measured in a direction perpendicularto said first and second planes.
 5. The bicycle pedal according to claim1, wherein said front clamping member is non-movably coupled to saidpedal body.
 6. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1, wherein saidfront clamping member is integrally formed with said pedal body as aone-piece, unitary member.
 7. The bicycle pedal according to claim 1,wherein said rear clamping member is pivotally coupled to said pedalbody.
 8. A bicycle pedal comprising: a pedal shaft having a first endadapted to be coupled to a bicycle crank and a second end with a centerrotation axis extending between said first and second ends; a pedal bodyrotatably coupled to said second end of said pedal shaft about saidcenter rotation axis of said pedal shaft, said pedal body having a frontend and a rear end with said front end of said pedal body beingconfigured and arranged to include a sole guide portion that assists inrotating said pedal body about said pedal shaft, said sole guide portionincluding a pair of laterally spaced projections located on a forwardlyfacing tip surface of said pedal body that define a sole receivingrecess in an area disposed laterally therebetween and aligned with saidprojections; and a cleat engagement mechanism coupled to an uppersurface of said pedal body, said cleat engagement mechanism including afront clamping member coupled to said front end of said pedal body, anda rear clamping member movably coupled to said rear end of said pedalbody, said front clamping member including a rearwardly facing frontpedal control surface, said rear clamping member including a forwardlyfacing rear pedal control surface, and said pedal body forming an openarea completely through said pedal body such that said rearwardly facingfront pedal control surface includes a concave shape.